State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, waves as she is introduced before speaking during the Texas PTA LAUNCH Summer Leadership Seminar at the Hilton Americas on Saturday, July 19, 2014, in Houston. Davis is a candidate for Texas governor. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, waves as she is introduced before speaking during the Texas PTA LAUNCH Summer Leadership Seminar at the Hilton Americas on Saturday, July 19, 2014, in Houston. Davis is a ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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In this April 2, 2014 file photo, Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks in San Antonio. Attorney General Greg Abbott has decided previously that the state doesn't have to disclose what potentially dangerous chemicals plants around Texas store. But he now clarifies that ordinary Texans are free to ask the plants on their own. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) less

In this April 2, 2014 file photo, Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks in San Antonio. Attorney General Greg Abbott has decided previously that the state doesn't have to ... more

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot speaks during the Texas PTA LAUNCH Summer Leadership Seminar at the Hilton Americas on Saturday, July 19, 2014, in Houston. Abbott is a republican candidate for Texas governor. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks to the media about recent immigration in the Rio Grande Valley at the Texas Department of Safety Regional offices Friday, June 27, 2014, in Weslaco, Texas. A week after Gov. Rick Perry directed $1.3 million per week toward bolstering border security, Abbott said Friday he sees "measurable and meaningful results." Abbott, who's the Republican nominee for governor, said after being briefed by Border Patrol and the Department of Public Safety in Weslaco that there has been no increase in crime and may have actually been a decrease in illegal activity. (AP Photo/The Monitor, Joel Martinez) less

Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks to the media about recent immigration in the Rio Grande Valley at the Texas Department of Safety Regional offices Friday, June 27, 2014, in Weslaco, Texas. A week after Gov. ... more

Photo: Joel Martinez, Associated Press

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State Sen. Wendy Davis talks to the media after touring the McAllen Border Patrol station, Monday June 23, 2014, in McAllen, Texas. Several elected officials from the Rio Grande Valley attended the tour with Davis. Davis is asking Gov. Rick Perry to declare a state of emergency along Texas' border with Mexico amid a surge of unaccompanied minors pouring into the U.S. (AP Photo/The Monitor, Gabe Hernandez) less

State Sen. Wendy Davis talks to the media after touring the McAllen Border Patrol station, Monday June 23, 2014, in McAllen, Texas. Several elected officials from the Rio Grande Valley attended the tour with ... more

Photo: Gabe Hernandez, Associated Press

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Attorney General Greg Abbott, right, listens as Gov. Rick Perry, at podium, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's press room, Monday, July 21, 2014, in Austin, Texas. Gov. Perry announced he is deploying up to 1,000 National Guard troops over the next month to the Texas-Mexico border to combat criminals that Republican state leaders say are exploiting a surge of children and families entering the U.S. illegally. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

Attorney General Greg Abbott, right, listens as Gov. Rick Perry, at podium, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's press room, Monday, July 21, 2014, in Austin, Texas. Gov. Perry announced he is ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference with Gov. Rick Perry in the Governor's press room, Monday, July 21, 2014, in Austin, Texas. Gov. Perry announced he is deploying up to 1,000 National Guard troops over the next month to the Texas-Mexico border to combat criminals that Republican state leaders say are exploiting a surge of children and families entering the U.S. illegally. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference with Gov. Rick Perry in the Governor's press room, Monday, July 21, 2014, in Austin, Texas. Gov. Perry announced he is deploying up to 1,000 ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, right, with U.S. Rep Michael Bachmann, left, and Attorney Gen. and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott, center, talks to the media outside a temporary shelter for unaccompanied minors who have entered the country illegally at Lackland Air Force Base , Monday, June 23, 2014, in San Antonio.Cruz and Abbott are ramping up criticism of President Barack Obama for more than 52,000 unaccompanied minors who have poured across the southwestern border of the U.S. in recent months. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, right, with U.S. Rep Michael Bachmann, left, and Attorney Gen. and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott, center, talks to the media outside a temporary shelter for unaccompanied ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, right, with Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott, talks to the media outside a temporary shelter for unaccompanied minors who have entered the country illegally at Lackland Air Force Base, Monday, June 23, 2014, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, right, with Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott, talks to the media outside a temporary shelter for unaccompanied minors who have entered the country ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial nominee Greg Abbott delivered what he called his Bicentennial Blueprint to the delegates of the Texas GOP Convention in Fort Worth, Texas Friday June 6, 2014..(AP Photo/Rex C. Curry) less

Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial nominee Greg Abbott delivered what he called his Bicentennial Blueprint to the delegates of the Texas GOP Convention in Fort Worth, Texas Friday June 6, ... more

Photo: Rex C. Curry, Associated Press

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Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis works at her phone bank in La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth, Texas on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Davis stopped by to speak out about Texans' right to know where hazardous chemicals are stored in their communities. (AP Photo/Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Ron T. Ennis) less

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis works at her phone bank in La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth, Texas on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Davis stopped by to speak out about Texans' right to know where ... more

Photo: Ron T. Ennis, Associated Press

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Sen. Wendy Davis signs a yard sign for a supporter Thursday, July 24, 2014 as she stops by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet campaign phone bank volunteers in Corpus Christi, Texas. The gubernatorial candidate was in town to attend the Minority Advancement Project's annual shrimp boil fundraiser. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora) less

Sen. Wendy Davis signs a yard sign for a supporter Thursday, July 24, 2014 as she stops by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet campaign phone bank volunteers in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ... more

Photo: Michael Zamora, Associated Press

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Sen. Wendy Davis greets a group of young artists Thursday, July 24, 2014 who created Loteria paintings to sell as a fundraiser during the Minority Advancement Project's annual shrimp boil at Heritage Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. The gubernatorial candidate also stopped by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet phone bank volunteers. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora) less

Sen. Wendy Davis greets a group of young artists Thursday, July 24, 2014 who created Loteria paintings to sell as a fundraiser during the Minority Advancement Project's annual shrimp boil at Heritage Park in ... more

Photo: Michael Zamora, Associated Press

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Sen. Wendy Davis talks with a supporter Thursday, July 24, 2014 as she stops by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet campaign phone bank volunteers in Corpus Christi, Texas. The gubernatorial candidate was in town to attend the Minority Advancement Project's annual shrimp boil fundraiser. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora) less

Sen. Wendy Davis talks with a supporter Thursday, July 24, 2014 as she stops by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet campaign phone bank volunteers in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ... more

Photo: Michael Zamora, Associated Press

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Sen. Wendy Davis, left, looks at one of the Loteria cards a student made for the fundraiser as Sen. Leticia Van de Putte signs one of the art pieces Thursday, July 24, 2014 during the Minority Advancement Project's annual shrimp boil at Heritage Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. The gubernatorial candidate also stopped by the Nueces County Democratic Party headquarters to greet phone bank volunteers during her visit. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora) less

Sen. Wendy Davis, left, looks at one of the Loteria cards a student made for the fundraiser as Sen. Leticia Van de Putte signs one of the art pieces Thursday, July 24, 2014 during the Minority Advancement ... more

Photo: Michael Zamora, Associated Press

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Ted Nugent shakes hands with the candidate as he speaks at a campaign event for Greg Abbott at El Guapo's restaurant in Denton on February 18, 2014.

Ted Nugent shakes hands with the candidate as he speaks at a campaign event for Greg Abbott at El Guapo's restaurant in Denton on February 18, 2014.

Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks to a group of supporters Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, during a campaign stop in his hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas. Abbott has been joined along the campaign by rocker Ted Nugent, an outspoken supporter of Second Amendment rights. Sen. Wendy Davis is Democratic opponent. (AP Photo/Wichita Falls Times Record News, Torin Halsey) less

Attorney General Greg Abbott speaks to a group of supporters Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, during a campaign stop in his hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas. Abbott has been joined along the campaign by rocker Ted ... more

State Sen. Wendy Davis, left, Democratic candidate for governor, speaks at Leal Middle School with Mayor Julian Castro, right, on Thursday to discuss her proposal to improve early childhood education. Feb. 13, ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Associated Press

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Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis talks to the media during a news conference at the Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Deborah Cannon) less

Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis talks to the media during a news conference at the Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Deborah ... more

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announces his bid for governor July 14, 2013, in La Villita.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announces his bid for governor July 14, 2013, in La Villita.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, celebrates with the Forth Worth Democrat after her filibuster to defeat the anti-abortion bill SB5, up for a vote on the last day of the legislative special session June 25, 2013. less

State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, celebrates with the Forth Worth Democrat after her filibuster to defeat the anti-abortion bill SB5, up for a vote on the last day of the legislative special session June ... more

Photo: Erich Schlegel, Getty Images

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Her pink sneakers become an icon for Fort Worth Sen. Wendy Davis' filibuster.

Her pink sneakers become an icon for Fort Worth Sen. Wendy Davis' filibuster.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte cheers at a watch party Oct. 3, 2013, at the San Antonio Firefighters Banquet Hall as Wendy Davis announces her campaign for governor.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte cheers at a watch party Oct. 3, 2013, at the San Antonio Firefighters Banquet Hall as Wendy Davis announces her campaign for governor.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announces his bid July 14, 2013, in La Villita in San Antonio.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announces his bid July 14, 2013, in La Villita in San Antonio.

Abbott has promised to downsize government, set "real spending limits in Austin" and stroked social conservative fires by saying, "Our priorities are wrong when we live in a state that stops a valedictorian from mentioning God but doesn't stop drug cartels crossing our border." less

Abbott has promised to downsize government, set "real spending limits in Austin" and stroked social conservative fires by saying, "Our priorities are wrong when we live in a state that stops a valedictorian ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan, Associated Press

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Davis, 50, rocketed to national fame this summer with her filibuster against tighter abortion restrictions, stoking the hopes of Democrats who haven't won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Davis, 50, rocketed to national fame this summer with her filibuster against tighter abortion restrictions, stoking the hopes of Democrats who haven't won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Abbott, shown at an anti-abortion rally at the Texas Capitol, hopes to seize the fiercely socially conservative mantle of Gov. Rick Perry that has helped make Texas the country's largest red state.

Abbott, shown at an anti-abortion rally at the Texas Capitol, hopes to seize the fiercely socially conservative mantle of Gov. Rick Perry that has helped make Texas the country's largest red state.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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Davis stands wither her daughters Dru, left, and Amber as wells her and boyfriend, former Austin Mayor Will Wynn, after she announced her candidacy Oct. 3, 2013.

Davis stands wither her daughters Dru, left, and Amber as wells her and boyfriend, former Austin Mayor Will Wynn, after she announced her candidacy Oct. 3, 2013.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

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Abbott attends the Republican National Committee press conference to announce its grassroots team who will strengthen ties with Hispanic Republicans on Oct. 9, 2013, in Houston.

Abbott attends the Republican National Committee press conference to announce its grassroots team who will strengthen ties with Hispanic Republicans on Oct. 9, 2013, in Houston.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Davis speaks at a July 25, 2013, fundraiser in Washington.

Davis speaks at a July 25, 2013, fundraiser in Washington.

Photo: Nick Wass, Associated Press

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Former state Rep. Aaron Pena greets Abbott during the Oct. 9 Republican National Committee session in Houston.

Former state Rep. Aaron Pena greets Abbott during the Oct. 9 Republican National Committee session in Houston.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Davis speaks during a press conference at Houston City Hall where she, Mayor Annise Parker, Councilwoman Ellen Cohen and Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia reiterated the fact that there is no longer a backlog of rape kits in Houston on Oct. 9, 2013. less

Davis speaks during a press conference at Houston City Hall where she, Mayor Annise Parker, Councilwoman Ellen Cohen and Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia reiterated the fact that there is no longer a backlog ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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"Piecing my life back together began with doctors piecing my vertebrae back together," Abbott told supporters during his announcement, noting physicians inserted rods in his back. "Too often, you hear politicians talk about having a spine of steel. I actually have one." less

"Piecing my life back together began with doctors piecing my vertebrae back together," Abbott told supporters during his announcement, noting physicians inserted rods in his back. "Too often, you hear ... more

Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press

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Supporters cheer for Davis at the W.G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City on Oct. 3, 2013. She chose the location to announce because that is where she walked the stage to accept her high school diploma.

Supporters cheer for Davis at the W.G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City on Oct. 3, 2013. She chose the location to announce because that is where she walked the stage to accept her high school diploma.

Photo: Stewart F. House, Getty Images

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Abbott's campaign kickoff in downtown San Antonio came 29 years to the day after a freak accident left Abbott partially paralyzed.

Abbott's campaign kickoff in downtown San Antonio came 29 years to the day after a freak accident left Abbott partially paralyzed.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Davis stands on a nearly empty Senate floor as she filibusters in an effort to kill an abortion bill June 25, 2013, in Austin. The bill would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy and force many clinics that perform the procedure to upgrade their facilities and be classified as ambulatory surgical centers. less

Davis stands on a nearly empty Senate floor as she filibusters in an effort to kill an abortion bill June 25, 2013, in Austin. The bill would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy and force many clinics that ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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Davis stretches during her filibuster June 25, 2013, in Austin.

Davis stretches during her filibuster June 25, 2013, in Austin.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

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Fort Worth Senator Wendy Davis relieves pressure on her feet as she filibusters in an effort to cause abortion legislation to die without a vote on the floor of the Senate Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

Fort Worth Senator Wendy Davis relieves pressure on her feet as she filibusters in an effort to cause abortion legislation to die without a vote on the floor of the Senate Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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After preventing the Senate from taking a vote, abortion rights supporters gather in the capitol rotunda at 2 a.m. June 26, 2013.

After preventing the Senate from taking a vote, abortion rights supporters gather in the capitol rotunda at 2 a.m. June 26, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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Abbott immediately filed an appeal after a federal judge ruled parts of the abortion law unconstitutional.

Abbott immediately filed an appeal after a federal judge ruled parts of the abortion law unconstitutional.

Photo: Pat Sullivan, Associated Press

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Davis edges Abbott in fundraising for gov race

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AUSTIN — Setting up a giant battle for Texas governor, Sen. Wendy Davis said on Tuesday that she has raised more than $12.2 million for her Democratic bid, including money donated to a committee formed to boost her effort.

Attorney General Greg Abbott said he added $11.5 million to his already substantial war chest as the expected GOP nominee during the same six-month campaign finance reporting period, which ended Dec. 31.

"Wendy Davis has done more than just meet the credibility threshold, she has sprinted through it, showing broad support and momentum that must scare the tar out of Greg Abbott and his team of Austin insiders," said Matt Angle, a longtime Davis adviser who directs the pro-Democratic Lone Star Project.

The Abbott campaign called the Davis numbers into question because she counted not only donations to her direct accounts but $3.5 million donated to the Texas Victory Committee Inc.

The committee is a joint effort between her campaign for governor and Battleground Texas, a group working to make the state competitive for Democrats. The committee was formed to support her election, her campaign said.

Davis spokesman Bo Delp said her campaign has asked donors to contribute to the Texas Victory Committee, which is focused on electing Davis with a particular emphasis on running a state grassroots campaign.

The Davis campaign said that Battleground Texas additionally is expected to report contributions of $1.8 million in the reporting period.

Both candidates - who are expected to get their parties' nominations in the March 4 primary - released total fundraising figures ahead of Wednesday's deadline for filing campaign finance reports covering the six-month period.

Abbott, who long has been a strong fundraiser, also said that he has $27 million in cash on hand.

His campaign said 97 percent of donors in his latest report are from Texas. While not naming her, it was an effort to draw a distinction with Davis.

She got national attention for filibustering stricter abortion regulations last year and has used her profile to raise money out of state, a necessity since Democrats have been out of power so long in Texas and are hanging their hopes on her candidacy as they fight to regain a toehold.

"This is a campaign by Texans, for Texans, and Greg Abbott is humbled and excited by the widespread support from across the state. Our campaign will continue to talk about and promote ideas to make Texas' education system No. 1 in the nation, continue to grow jobs, limit the size and scope of government, and preserve individual freedom," said his campaign manager, Wayne Hamilton.

Davis formally announced for governor on Oct. 3. Her campaign said that she has received donations from all 254 Texas counties and that the $12.2 million total came from 71,843 individual contributors. Her campaign said 84,704 donations of $50 or less made up 85 percent of all contributions for the reporting period.

She did not provide a cash-on-hand figure.

Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said the Davis total suggests a broad base of support but added, "Good as these numbers are, the Davis campaign should be sobered by the knowledge that contributions (are) coming into the Abbott campaign, not in $50 increments, but in tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Davis campaign will have the money to make its case, but it will still be steep up hill."

Jillson called Abbott's numbers "less impressive" but said that "the strong Davis numbers may kick the Abbott machine into overdrive."

"Scaring the Texas conservative establishment should make the Abbott cash register ring," Jillson said by email.

In her total for the six-month reporting period, Davis counted nearly $4.6 million in contributions to her candidate/officeholder account, which was in place before she formally announced her bid; nearly $4.2 million to the Wendy R. Davis for Governor Inc. campaign; and $3.5 million to the Texas Victory Committee Inc.

Angle, of the Lone Star Project, said that Davis is on track to raise nearly $40 million, the amount that he said she needs to run a competitive campaign.